YOGA THERAPY TT FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

THE FACULTY:
Dr. Lucy Arnsby Wilson and Janine Hurley are the main facilitators. We also invite guest teachers who are experts in their field.

THE VISION FOR THIS WORK IS:

To help young people to alleviate their suffering through yoga so they can experience a coming home, deep peace which can lead to comfort in their mind and body.

In order to do this we will support students:

• To be able to tailor a 1:1 and group yoga therapy session to a young person experiencing a range of medical and psychological conditions
• To understand the philosophy of healing and well being through yoga therapy
• To understanding child development theories and how this relates to yoga therapy
• To gain therapy skills (BE-ing a yoga therapist), boundaries and ethics
• To experience a broad and comprehensive set of in-depth teachings on specific areas of interest: e.g. eating conditions, autism, psychosis, trauma, pain, cancer

This will be through teaching off:

• The development and expression of mental health problems in young people and their families from a range of different approaches and perspectives
• The research base for yoga/meditation practices and the promotion of emotional wellbeing in young people leading to a clear understanding of what can we learn and what do we need to know
• The neuroscience on the developing brain and the effects of yoga and meditation for young people experiencing a range of conditions
• Developing skills and confidence to assess children (at a physical energetic, psychological and spiritual level) with mental health needs for the purpose of teaching yoga therapy (and know when additional support may be required)
• Learning how to plan and support young people for a tailor made 1:1 therapy program. How to adapt the sessions for the specific requirements of their students
• Learning how to offer groups (family groups or in healthcare settings/schools) for  young people for the prevention of and intervention in mental health problems. Using specific yoga sequences and practices students will learn to guide young people through common obstacles. They will understand the benefits and any contraindications of practices specific to particular mental health issues
• Learning to develop a range of ways to support young people in bringing their physical and emotional body into balance to restore health and wellbeing for autism, ADD, trauma, learning disabilities, cancer, chronic pain, etc.
• Developing an overall competence in teaching yoga therapy to children and young people for the prevention of and intervention in mental health problems
• Learning essential aspects of Ayurveda for yoga therapy for children and young people
• Gaining a thorough understanding of the energy body
• Learning yoga based awareness methods (mandala drawing and guided imagery)
• Considering how to offer yoga therapy within the appropriate safety guidelines for this work (e.g. child protection issues)
• Developing confidence at working systemically with teachers, families and other health professionals to deliver this work effectively